How to build a hydroponics table?

[whitewalker]

Hi I need some advice on how to build the framing for this.  I can't seem to find the same perforated tubing at Bunnings. I'd be happy to hear any other ideas. Bear in mind, I'm pretty limited on tools and knowledge.

 

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @whitewalker. It's good to have you join us.

Have you seen the outdoor hydroponic garden by Workshop member @pLethora? Or @DavidMSly's outdoor solar-powered hydroponics system? I'm sure you can get some great ideas from those popular projects.

Let me also tag one of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts in @EricL to see how we would go about the build.

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @whitewalker 

Thanks for sharing your question regarding building a hydroponics table. I suggest having a look at using Holman 90mm x 3m PVC Stormwater Pipe as the main body and covering the ends with Holman 90mm Push On PVC Storm Cap. The holes in the pipe can be drilled using a Craftright 16 Piece Holesaw Set in combination with a cordless drill.  

Generally, the frame itself can be built with timber in the shape of a table frame. The pipe is then laid across the top and held in place using Kinetic 90mm DWV Pipe Saddle Clips - 4 Pack. Depending on the size of hole you are after, I recommend a distance of 50mm from edge to edge of each hole. But keep in mind that if the plant you are growing needs more space the gap between the holes might need to be bigger.

I also recommend thinking about the plumbing system you'll be using for your set. I propose using irrigation pipe along with irrigation fittings. I suggest drawing it out on paper first, this will allow you to break down the parts you'll be needing to construct the hydroponic set itself.

Let me call on our experienced members @Prof and @robchin for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Prof]

Hi whitewalker...

Eric has given you some comprehensive sound advice for building a hydroponic set up...

My only question is are you planning to build a two level system ( as in the photo ) or just a benchtop system.?

[robchin]

Love to see hydro systems being set up. Well done @whitewalker . The system you have showed there is called Nurient Film Technique (NFT) where a thin film of water is the nutrient holder. The flat bottom of the hydro tubes is important here for this technique. I will differ from Eric here. If you can't easily access the hydro tube from a specialist hydroponic supplier - use a square downpipe instead. https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-100-x-50mm-3m-rectangular-pvc-downpipe_p4775596 - you can get end pieces and silicon them on with a netural-cure silicon sealant - like you would use around a window. This is important. Selleys 300ml 720 Translucent Exterior Neutral Cure Silicone - Bunnings Australia

If you like the idea of the 90mm round pipes - that's fine but you'll need a bigger pump and some deeper tubes for putting your plants into - so adjust the hole size accordingly. 

Few other things to note: 

1) Get your slope right - minimum 1:40 eg. 2cm per metre from top to bottom of the channels

2) Unlike the picture - have 2 feeder tubes in the top feeding the nutrient enriched water into the tube - just in-case  one gets blocked up

3) If you are going to do this outside - you'll need to put a lid on your reservoir and put an aeration stone in the system otherwise the rain will dilute your water

4) Ensure you get a big enough pump to recycle the water - 1 size bigger is always safe. Run the pump continous for daylight hours

There are some great resources around if you need them. 

Good luck.